PARIS — When Ted Moccia speaks to the veterans and other participants of the Veterans Day ceremony at the Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School on Wednesday, it will not be as a veteran but as a citizen and educator who honors the service of men and women in the military.

"I believe everyone's life is affected by a veteran," said Moccia, who serves as principal of the high school and whose stepfather was an Army veteran, and whose mother lived her later years in the veterans home in Paris.

The annual Veterans Day program will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School.

"It's just something that touches me," he said.

Moccia said he is always striving to get students to see that Veterans Day is not just another day off from school. "It's a shame we don't do more," he said.

What is done is done somewhat quietly in the classrooms and hallways where men and women who have served in the military and now serve on the high school staff and other teachers engage young people in conversations.

"A vet never wants those accolades. They do it for the greater good of our nation," he said of their service.

Moccia said he is honored to have been asked to speak at the ceremony.

"I feel its an unbelievable honor for me," Moccia said. "I'm extremely excited and honored."

Gil Turner, past post commander of the American Legion Post 72, will be this year's master of ceremony.

A special performance will be made by Vietnam veteran Al Pelletier, who will sing his original song, "The Wisdom That We Gained."

The high school band will play several selections including "God Bless America."

The invocation and benediction will be given by the Rev. Don Mayberry of the First Congregational Church in Paris.

Refreshments will be served following the ceremony.

ldixon@sunjournal.com